MSC Cruises Drinks Packages: The Ultimate Guide

• Pre-Book to Save: Always purchase your package before you cruise to secure the lowest price, often saving 15-20% compared to onboard rates.

• The Cabin Rule: All guests in the same cabin (or dining group) aged three and older must purchase a package, with minors required to buy the Minors Package.

• Premium Extra for Freedom: The Premium Extra Package is the only standard option valid in all venues (including speciality restaurants) and covers premium brands up to a high price cap.

Which MSC Drinks Package is Right for You?

Deciding on a cruise drinks package is often the key to maximising both your holiday enjoyment and your budget.

With MSC Cruises, you have a brilliant selection of options designed to fit every budget and preference. Choosing the right one ensures you can relax and sip on your favourite cocktail onboard, without worrying about the bill at the end of the trip!

To help you decipher which package is right for you, we’ve curated an essential guide to MSC Cruises' drinks packages, including the latest details on what's included and who they are best for.

The MSC Cruises Drinks Packages Explained

MSC Cruises offers a tiered system to suit every budget and preference, from those who prefer only non-alcoholic drinks to those who want top-shelf cocktails.

Read on for a detailed breakdown of the available packages and who they are best suited for.

Non-Alcoholic Options: Minors & Alcohol-Free

These drinks packages are designed for guests who don’t consume alcohol or for the youngest cruisers in the cabin. The Minors Package is mandatory for children aged 3 and above if the accompanying adults purchase an alcoholic package.

Minors Package (Ages 3-17, or 3-20 on North America Itineraries)

• Who it's best for: Children and teens.

• What's Included (Unlimited): Coffee, tea, and hot drinks; soft drinks, energy drinks, juices, and smoothies; mocktails; and still/sparkling water.

Alcohol-Free Package (Adults)

• Who it's best for: Adults who strictly prefer non-alcoholic beverages but still want variety and all-inclusive ease.

• What's Included: Non-alcoholic cocktails, fresh fruit and protein shakes, energy drinks, flavoured water, soft drinks, and all classic hot drinks.

Easy Package: The Value Choice

This is MSC's entry-level package that includes alcohol and is the go-to option for guests who want to cover their costs without splurging on premium brands.

• Who it's best for: The casual drinker who enjoys a few standard alcoholic beverages a day (beer, wine, or a simple cocktail) and prioritises fixed-cost budgeting.

• What's Included:

- Alcoholic: Selected classic or international cocktails, Heineken (draft and bottled), house wines by the glass (red, white, sparkling, rosé), and one brand per type of house spirit (e.g. house vodka, house rum).

- Non-Alcoholic: Non-alcoholic cocktails, soft fountain and canned drinks, fruit juices by the glass, bottled mineral water, and classic hot drinks (espresso, cappuccino, etc.).

- Key Restriction: This package is not valid in speciality restaurants or certain signature venues.

Premium Extra Package: The High Quality Option

This is the most comprehensive, top-tier package, offering almost total freedom across the ship's menus. It is often included for guests who book the premium MSC Yacht Club experience.

• Who it's for: Guests who want access to premium and top-shelf brands, want to enjoy champagne/fine wine by the glass, and plan to dine in speciality restaurants.

• What's Included:

- Premium Drinks: Premium cocktails (including fresh fruit), premium wines and champagne by the glass, premium spirits and liqueurs, and craft beers.

- Speciality: Speciality coffees, smoothies, juices, and energy drinks.

- Discounts: Guests receive a 25% discount on purchases of wine or champagne bottles.

- Venue Coverage: This is the only standard package that is valid in all main venues, speciality restaurants, and on private islands.

Why Book a Drinks Package?

The decision to buy a drinks package for an MSC cruise is all about budgeting and convenience.

1. Fixed Cost, Fixed Budget

A package turns a variable expense into a fixed, predictable cost. Once paid, you don't have to think about individual drink prices, making the main restaurant, buffet, and bar visits completely stress-free.

2. Maximum Convenience

The ease of walking up to a bar, ordering your drink, and walking away is a huge part of the holiday experience. It encourages you to try new things and enjoy speciality coffees or mocktails throughout the day.

3. Saving Money

While you must do the maths to find your personal 'break-even' point, MSC drink prices can quickly add up. If you plan on having:

• 2-3 beers/glasses of wine/cocktails per day, plus

• A few soft drinks or bottled water

• Speciality coffee in the morning

...a package will almost certainly save you money over the duration of a seven-night cruise, for example.

When & How to Book Your MSC Drinks Package

When to Book

Always book your drinks package pre-cruise!

MSC typically offers a discount of 15% to 20% on packages purchased prior to sailing, compared to the price you will pay once onboard. Therefore, this is your biggest opportunity to save on drinks.

How to Book

1. Via your cruise agent: Our expert cruise consultants can add your desired drinks package to your booking instantly.

2. Online: Log in to the "My MSC Area" on the MSC Cruises website to manage your booking and add the package as an 'Onboard Extra'.

The Cabin Rule: A Must-Know

The most important rule when it comes to drinks packages on an MSC cruise is that if one guest in a cabin purchases a drinks package, then all guests occupying the same cabin (aged three and above) must also purchase a package.

For example, if two adults buy the Easy Package, the children must buy the Minors Package. This rule prevents sharing and must be adhered to.

Your MSC Drinks Package Questions Answered

1. Does the Easy Package work in Speciality Restaurants?

No. The Easy Package and the Alcohol-Free Package are generally not valid in speciality restaurants or signature venues, like Venchi 1878. You must purchase the Premium Extra Package for full coverage in these venues.

2. Is bottled water included in the basic package?

Yes, bottled mineral water is included in all packages, which is a significant value benefit, especially for taking on excursions or keeping in your cabin.

3. What does the 15-drink limit mean?

For packages including alcohol (Easy and Premium Extra), you are limited to a maximum of 15 alcoholic drinks per guest within a 24-hour period. Non-alcoholic drinks remain unlimited. This limit encourages responsible consumption.

4. Are service charges (gratuities) included in the price?

Yes, all advertised prices for MSC drinks packages are all-inclusive and cover the beverage service charge/gratuity, meaning there are no additional hidden fees when you order a drink.

5. Do children need a package if their parents don't buy one?

No. The rule states that if one adult buys a package, all adults and children in the cabin must buy one. If the adults choose not to purchase a package, children are not obliged to buy the Minors Package.

6. Can I upgrade my package once I'm onboard?

Yes, you can typically upgrade to a higher-tiered package (e.g. from Easy to Premium Extra) once onboard, but you will pay the price difference for the remaining cruise days at the more expensive onboard price.

7. Does the package work on MSC's private island, Ocean Cay?

The Premium Extra Package is generally valid on Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. However, the Easy Package and Alcohol-Free Package are sometimes excluded at specific bars on the private island, so check the latest terms when booking.

8. What's the price limit on drinks in the Premium Extra Package?

The Premium Extra Package typically includes all drinks up to a high price cap, usually around $16/€14, covering virtually all premium brands, cocktails, and wines by the glass.

9. Can I share a package with someone else?

No, packages are non-transferable and cannot be shared with other guests. MSC staff are trained to monitor this, and violating the rule can result in the package being revoked without a refund.

10. Does my drinks package cover the mini-bar in my cabin?

No. Drinks included in the cabin mini-bar or ordered via room service are generally not covered by any of the standard drinks packages and will incur an additional charge.